One trade every NBA team needs to make

Milwaukee Bucks

It looks like the Bucks will listen to trade offers for anyone besides Jabari Parker, Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Greg Monroe signed as a high-profile free agent just half a year ago, but a report by Gery Woelfel of the Journal Times states that a major move could be coming before the NBA trade deadline:

"“From what I’m hearing is they (the Bucks) are willing to trade anybody not named Parker, Antetokounmpo or Middleton,’’ an NBA executive said. “I even heard they’d listen (to offers) for Parker and Middleton, but it would have to be some crazy offer. “They want to do something; they know they have to do something. That group they have isn’t working.’’"

It’s beyond clear that things aren’t working out right now. As at the very least with the lengthy perimeter talent and imposing frontcourt players they have, ranking 26th in defensive efficiency is hopeless.

So, if Monroe is available, the Bucks could bring in a hefty return due to his offensive talent and rebounding, which is desirable for plenty of teams even if his defense lacks the same intrigue. One team they could look to is the Nets, in order to go in a new direction at center with Brook Lopez.

In exchange for Lopez, the Bucks could offer Monroe and one of their 2016 second round draft picks. If the Nets want more (which they likely will), the Bucks can try throwing a talented sharpshooter like Jerryd Bayless into the mix.

This gives the Bucks a notable upgrade over Monroe, as Lopez is one of the premier scoring big men in the NBA on the low block. He’s averaging 20.3 points per game this season on 50 percent shooting, while knocking down 42.6 percent of his 16-24 foot jump shots, too.

On top of that, he’s a far better low-post defender than Monroe. He forces opponents to shoot 9.4 percent lower than normal within six feet and adds 1.9 blocks per game, which is superior to Monroe in both regards by a long way. Lopez may be weak away from the basket and he isn’t an elite defender, but the Bucks should be able to pick up that lack of speed with the rest of their team.

For the Nets, they can start hitting the reset button with a new double-double guy and talented scorer in Monroe, who will be making around $5 million less per season over the next two years. With a pick, they also get the chance to add someone in the draft which is a luxury they’ve otherwise rid themselves of. Bayless, with 43.2 percent shooting, would also be a highly welcome addition.

Next: Orlando Magic